Bike For Your Buck

I am blessed to live in a community that is interlaced with many biking/walking trails.  This allows me to bike to many nearby places rather than have to drive to them (although, in full disclosure, I often do!-).  Biking, instead of driving, has so many benefits.  For example:

• You save money on gas and on wear and tear of your car.  Even those short trips within a mile or two add up!
• You save money because, if you plan on biking regularly, you won't go as often to the stores and you won't buy as much!
• Biking is good for your body.
• It's good for the environment.
• You can spend more quality time with your loved ones enjoying the outdoors.  (How do you do it with little ones, you may ask?  Invest in a bike trailer for toddlers and preschoolers and bikes for the bigger kids.  You can also use the trailer to carry items, such as groceries or library books.  I have friends who attach a third seat/wheel (not sure what they're called) in addition to a bike trailer.  Now that's dedication!)
• You get to enjoy scenery you don't usually see.  For example, last week my kids and I biked to their swimming lessons.  We got to see three hawks or falcons up close.  It was great!  My boys now want to learn about hawks and falcons so we can tell the difference!

Want to get started but don't have the gear?  Buy items from garage sales, thrift stores, or Craigslist.  It doesn't have to be pretty...it just needs to work!  Friends and neighbors might give you their kids' outgrown bikes for free if they know you like hand-me-downs.

Have fun and get biking!